Cyclopean Snare MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Artifact |
| Released | 2005-10-07 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Ravnica: City of Guilds |
| Set code | RAV |
| Number | 259 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Keith Garletts |
Text of card
, : Tap target creature, then return Cyclopean Snare to its owner's hand.
The spoiled, gluttonous halls of the Orzhov teem with gaudy, needless wealth. Even their security measures are made for beauty first, efficiency second.
Cards like Cyclopean Snare
In the versatile world of Magic: The Gathering, Cyclopean Snare offers an intriguing control option for players. This artifact mirrors the utility of control devices like Icy Manipulator, permitting the manipulation of enemy creatures’ movements by tapping them. While Icy Manipulator requires no further payment beyond its activation cost, Cyclopean Snare demands an extra mana and the tapping of another untapped creature you control to freeze an opponent’s creature.
Examining Gideon’s Lawkeeper, the comparison becomes clear that both cards serve a similar function with the Lawkeeper allowing the tapping of creatures at a lower cost. However, unlike Cyclopean Snare, Gideon’s Lawkeeper is a creature itself and therefore susceptible to removal spells. Conversely, Blinding Beam presents another route to manage combat by freezing multiple creatures but differs from Cyclopean Snare as it is a one-time use spell with no recurring control opportunities.
Comparing these tools in MTG showcases Cyclopean Snare’s unique position within the realm of creature control mechanics—It’s a repeated-use artifact that has additional requirements but offers consistent utility on the battlefield.
Cards similar to Cyclopean Snare by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Cyclopean Snare may not draw cards directly, it plays a strategic part in controlling the flow of the game. It can potentially trip up multiple attackers, helping you maintain a more advantageous position on the battlefield.
Resource Acceleration: This artifact isn’t a source of ramp on its own, but it can indirectly speed up your resources by keeping your creatures untapped to defend or by saving life points that might otherwise have been lost. This leads to more opportunities to cast your spells and influence the game.
Instant Speed: The ability to activate Cyclopean Snare at instant speed is crucial. You can adjust your strategies in response to opponent moves, making it a versatile tool for disrupting their plan during the attack phase without needing to commit resources until necessary.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While the Cyclopean Snare doesn’t necessitate discarding as a cost, it does have other limitations that could impede your gameplay, similar to the setback one might experience with discard-demanding cards.
Specific Mana Cost: Activating the ability of Cyclopean Snare requires both colorless and white mana, which might restrict its inclusion to certain deck archetypes that can reliably produce both types of mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: To tap and untap a creature, Cyclopean Snare demands a total of three mana and an additional two to return it to its owner’s hand. This investment could be deemed steep, particularly when there are alternative control cards available that may offer a greater impact for a similar or lesser mana commitment.
Reasons to Include Cyclopean Snare in Your Collection
Versatility: Cyclopean Snare serves as a useful tool in decks that aim to control the pace of the game. Capable of tapping creatures, it can be fitted into strategies that need to stay safe from aggressive attackers or manage powerful threats on the board.
Combo Potential: With the ability to tap into artifact synergies, Cyclopean Snare interacts well with cards that capitalize on artifacts being tapped or untapped. This creates opportunities for inventive combos in decks that exploit these types of interactions.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature-based strategies dominate, having a reliable means to prevent damage and control combat scenarios can be crucial. Cyclopean Snare offers an answer to such metas, potentially disrupting opponent tactics and giving you the upper hand.
How to beat
Cyclopean Snare stands out in Magic: The Gathering as an artifact that can manipulate combat dynamics. The ability to tap an attacking or blocking creature can be a game-changer when timing your defense or breakthrough. However, overcoming this card requires a blend of strategic play and specific card interactions.
To maneuver around Cyclopean Snare’s effect, you can deploy cards that grant your creatures hexproof or shroud, keeping them out of the Snare’s reach. Additionally, using cards that can destroy or neutralize artifacts will render the Snare useless before it impacts the battlefield. Aggressive decks also have the upper hand, as they can pressure the opponent and deplete their resources, minimizing the opportunities to effectively use the Snare. By anticipating its activation and adjusting your tactics accordingly, you can dismantle its control and maintain the upper hand in your matches.
Understanding your opponent’s potential plays and customizing your deck to counter them are essential strategies in Magic: The Gathering. With thoughtful strategy and proper counters, Cyclopean Snare becomes less daunting, allowing you to keep the momentum and lead your forces to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Cyclopean Snare MTG card by a specific set like Ravnica: City of Guilds, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.
For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.
Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.
Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Cyclopean Snare and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Cyclopean Snare has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |